Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of operating an embedded-system device, comprising: providing to a host of the embedded-system device control of a first serial port controller at the embedded-system device; providing to an operational program at the embedded-system device control of a second first serial port controller of the embedded-system device; connecting a serial port at the embedded-system device with the first serial port controller; determining whether the embedded-system device is in a predetermined condition; when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition: receiving, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host for driving the first serial port controller; generating, at the first serial port controller, first signals in accordance with the first command or data; and outputting the first signals at the serial port; when the embedded-system device is in the predetermined condition: disconnecting the serial port from the first serial port controller; connecting the serial port with a second serial port controller at the embedded-system device; receiving, at the second serial port controller, second command or data from the operational program for driving the second serial port controller; generating, at the second serial port controller, second signals in accordance with the second command or data; and outputting the second signals at the serial port.
Embedded system control and communication. This invention addresses the need for flexible serial port management in embedded devices. The method involves an embedded-system device that manages its serial ports. Control of a first serial port controller is provided to a host system. Simultaneously, control of a second serial port controller is given to an operational program running on the embedded-system device itself. A serial port on the device is initially connected to the first serial port controller. The system then checks if the embedded-system device is in a specific predetermined condition. If the condition is not met, the first serial port controller receives commands or data from the host, generates corresponding signals, and outputs them through the serial port. If the predetermined condition is met, the serial port is disconnected from the first serial port controller. The serial port is then connected to the second serial port controller. This second controller receives commands or data from the operational program, generates signals, and outputs them through the serial port.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host; and generating, at the first serial port controller, signals for outputting at the serial port in accordance with the first command or data, when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to serial communication in embedded systems, specifically addressing the challenge of managing serial port operations when the system is in a predetermined condition, such as a low-power or fault state. The method involves a first serial port controller that receives commands or data from a host system and generates corresponding signals for output at a serial port. When the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition, the controller processes and transmits the received data normally. If the device enters the predetermined condition, the serial port controller may suspend or modify its operations to conserve power or prevent data corruption. The method ensures reliable communication while adapting to system state changes. The invention may include additional controllers or ports, with each handling data independently or in coordination to maintain communication integrity. The approach is particularly useful in systems requiring robust serial communication under varying operational states.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, at the second serial port controller, second command or data from a program of the embedded-system device; and generating, at the second serial port controller, signals for outputting at the serial port in accordance with the second command or data, when the serial port is connected to the second serial port controller.
This invention relates to serial communication in embedded systems, specifically improving data handling between a serial port and an embedded-system device. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible control of serial communication, particularly when multiple controllers may interact with a single serial port. The method involves a system with at least two serial port controllers connected to a serial port, where only one controller is active at a time. The active controller receives commands or data from a program running on the embedded-system device and generates corresponding signals for output at the serial port. If the serial port is disconnected from the active controller, it can be reconnected to another controller, which then takes over communication. The system ensures seamless switching between controllers, allowing the embedded system to dynamically manage serial communication without disruption. The invention also includes receiving commands or data at a second serial port controller when it is connected to the serial port, generating output signals accordingly. This ensures that the embedded system can continue serial communication regardless of which controller is active, improving reliability and flexibility in embedded applications. The method is particularly useful in systems where multiple controllers may need to share a single serial port, such as in industrial automation, IoT devices, or other embedded applications requiring robust communication handling.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a control command that includes an indication, wherein whether the embedded-system device is in the predetermined condition is determined based on the indication.
The invention relates to embedded systems and methods for managing their operational states. The problem addressed is the need for embedded-system devices to dynamically adjust their behavior based on external control commands, particularly when determining whether the device is in a predetermined condition. The solution involves a method where an embedded-system device monitors its operational state and receives a control command that includes an indication. This indication is used to determine whether the device is in the predetermined condition. The method also includes performing an action based on this determination, such as adjusting the device's operation or triggering a specific response. The control command may originate from an external source, such as a user or another system, and the indication within the command provides context or criteria for evaluating the device's state. This allows for flexible and adaptive control of embedded systems, enabling them to respond to changing conditions or requirements in real time. The method ensures that the device's actions are aligned with the intended operational state, improving efficiency and reliability in various applications.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the control command is received at an operational program of the embedded-system device after the operational program has been booted up by a booting program of the embedded-system device.
This invention relates to embedded systems and addresses the challenge of securely managing control commands in such systems. The method involves receiving a control command at an operational program of an embedded-system device after the operational program has been booted up by a booting program. The operational program is responsible for executing the control command, while the booting program initializes the system before the operational program takes over. The method ensures that control commands are processed only after the system has fully booted, reducing the risk of unauthorized or corrupted commands being executed during the boot process. This enhances the security and reliability of embedded systems by separating the booting and operational phases, preventing potential vulnerabilities during startup. The approach is particularly useful in environments where embedded devices must operate securely from the moment they are powered on.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the control command is received at a booting program of the embedded-system device during that the booting program is booting an operational program of the embedded-system device.
This invention relates to embedded systems and specifically to a method for receiving control commands during the booting process of an embedded-system device. The problem addressed is the need to allow external control or configuration of an embedded device during its boot sequence, which is typically a restricted phase where the device is not yet fully operational. The method involves receiving a control command at a booting program of the embedded-system device while the booting program is in the process of booting an operational program. The booting program is responsible for initializing hardware and loading the operational program, which is the main software that runs the device. The control command can modify the boot process, such as selecting different firmware versions, configuring hardware settings, or applying security policies before the operational program takes over. This allows for dynamic adjustments to the boot sequence based on external inputs, improving flexibility and security in embedded systems. The method ensures that the control command is processed during the boot phase, enabling early-stage modifications that would otherwise be unavailable once the operational program is fully loaded. This is particularly useful in industrial, automotive, or IoT devices where runtime configurations may be restricted or where security policies need to be enforced before the system becomes operational.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting that a booting program of the embedded-system device has failed, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
Embedded systems often face challenges in recovering from boot failures, which can lead to device downtime and require manual intervention. This invention addresses the problem by providing an automated recovery mechanism for embedded-system devices when they fail to boot properly. The method involves monitoring the boot process of the embedded-system device and detecting if the booting program encounters a failure. Upon detecting such a failure, the device is identified as being in a predetermined condition, which triggers an automated recovery procedure. The recovery process may include steps such as resetting the device, restoring a backup configuration, or executing a secondary bootloader to ensure the device can successfully boot. This approach minimizes downtime and reduces the need for manual intervention, improving the reliability and usability of embedded systems. The invention is particularly useful in environments where embedded devices must operate continuously with minimal human oversight, such as industrial control systems, medical devices, or IoT applications. By integrating this automated recovery feature, the embedded-system device can self-diagnose and recover from boot failures, enhancing overall system robustness.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting that an operational program of the embedded-system device has failed, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to embedded-system devices and addresses the problem of detecting and responding to operational failures in such systems. The method involves monitoring an embedded-system device to identify when an operational program within the device has failed. Upon detecting such a failure, the device is determined to be in a predetermined condition, which may trigger further actions such as recovery, notification, or system adjustments. The method ensures that the embedded-system device can autonomously recognize and respond to failures, improving reliability and reducing downtime. The invention may be part of a broader system for managing embedded devices, where the detection of program failures is integrated into a larger framework for maintaining system stability. The approach is particularly useful in environments where continuous operation is critical, such as industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive electronics, where unnoticed failures could lead to significant consequences. By proactively identifying and addressing program failures, the method enhances the robustness and fault tolerance of embedded-system devices.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting that an output of a hardware component of the embedded-system device is in a predetermined relationship with a threshold, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to embedded systems and methods for monitoring hardware components to detect predetermined conditions. The method involves analyzing the output of a hardware component within an embedded-system device to determine if it meets a specific threshold relationship. When the output satisfies this relationship, the system concludes that the device is in a predetermined condition. This approach enables real-time monitoring and condition detection in embedded systems, which is useful for applications such as fault detection, performance optimization, or safety-critical operations. The method ensures that the embedded system can autonomously identify and respond to critical states based on hardware output metrics, improving reliability and operational efficiency. The invention builds on a broader method for determining device conditions, which includes collecting data from multiple hardware components and applying analytical techniques to assess system health. By integrating threshold-based detection, the system can trigger appropriate actions or alerts when specific conditions are met, enhancing overall system robustness. This technique is particularly valuable in environments where continuous monitoring and rapid response to hardware states are essential.
10. An apparatus, the apparatus being an embedded-system device, comprising: a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: provide to a host of the embedded-system device control of a first serial port controller at the embedded-system device; provide to an operational program at the embedded-system device control of a second first serial port controller of the embedded-system device; connect a serial port at the embedded-system device with the first serial port controller; determine whether the embedded-system device is in a predetermined condition; when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition: receive, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host for driving the first serial port controller; generate, at the first serial port controller, first signals in accordance with the first command or data; and output the first signals at the serial port; when the embedded-system device is in the predetermined condition: disconnect the serial port from the first serial port controller; connect the serial port with a second serial port controller at the embedded-system device; receive, at the second serial port controller, second command or data from the operational program for driving the second serial port controller; generate, at the second serial port controller, second signals in accordance with the second command or data; and output the second signals at the serial port.
This invention relates to an embedded-system device with dual serial port controllers for managing serial communication. The device includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor provides control of a first serial port controller to a host system and control of a second serial port controller to an operational program running on the embedded-system device. A serial port is initially connected to the first serial port controller. The processor determines whether the embedded-system device is in a predetermined condition. If not, the first serial port controller receives commands or data from the host, generates corresponding signals, and outputs them through the serial port. If the device is in the predetermined condition, the serial port is disconnected from the first controller and connected to the second controller. The second controller then receives commands or data from the operational program, generates corresponding signals, and outputs them through the serial port. This allows dynamic switching of serial port control between the host and the operational program based on the device's state, ensuring flexible and secure communication management.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host; and generate, at the first serial port controller, signals for outputting at the serial port in accordance with the first command or data, when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to an apparatus for managing serial port communication in an embedded-system device, particularly when the device is in a predetermined condition such as a low-power or fault state. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a first serial port controller connected to a serial port. The processor is configured to monitor the device's operational state and control communication through the serial port. When the device is not in the predetermined condition, the first serial port controller receives commands or data from a host system and generates corresponding signals for output at the serial port. This ensures normal communication functionality under standard operating conditions. The apparatus may also include additional serial port controllers and logic to handle communication when the device is in the predetermined condition, such as redirecting or blocking certain signals to maintain system stability. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable serial communication in embedded systems while managing power consumption or fault recovery.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive, at the second serial port controller, second command or data from a program of the embedded-system device; and generate, at the second serial port controller, signals for outputting at the serial port in accordance with the second command or data, when the serial port is connected to the second serial port controller.
This invention relates to an embedded-system device with a serial port and multiple serial port controllers. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient serial communication in embedded systems, where a single serial port may need to interface with different controllers for various functions. The apparatus includes a serial port, a first serial port controller, and a second serial port controller. The first controller handles communication with a host device, while the second controller manages communication with a program running on the embedded-system device. The second controller receives commands or data from the embedded-system program and generates signals for output via the serial port when the port is connected to the second controller. This allows the embedded system to dynamically switch between controllers, enabling versatile serial communication without requiring additional hardware. The invention improves efficiency by reusing the same serial port for multiple purposes, reducing complexity and cost in embedded-system designs.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a control command that includes an indication, wherein whether the embedded-system device is in the predetermined condition is determined based on the indication.
The invention relates to embedded-system devices and methods for managing their operational states. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible control of embedded systems, particularly in determining whether a device meets a predetermined condition for performing a specific function or transitioning to a different state. Traditional systems may lack adaptability or require complex logic to assess device conditions, leading to inefficiencies or errors. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions for managing an embedded-system device. The processor receives a control command that includes an indication, which is used to determine whether the device is in a predetermined condition. This indication can be a parameter, flag, or other data within the command that signals the device's state or readiness. The processor evaluates this indication to decide whether the device meets the required condition, enabling dynamic and context-aware control. This approach simplifies the logic for condition assessment, reducing computational overhead and improving reliability. The apparatus may also include communication interfaces for transmitting or receiving data, memory for storing instructions, and sensors or actuators for interacting with the environment. The invention enhances the adaptability and efficiency of embedded systems in applications such as industrial automation, IoT devices, and smart systems.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the control command is received at an operational program of the embedded-system device after the operational program has been booted up by a booting program of the embedded-system device.
This invention relates to embedded-system devices and addresses the challenge of securely managing control commands during device operation. The apparatus includes an embedded-system device with a booting program and an operational program. The booting program initializes the device, while the operational program executes after boot-up to perform device functions. The apparatus is configured to receive a control command at the operational program only after the operational program has been fully booted by the booting program. This ensures that the operational program is in a stable, ready state before processing commands, enhancing security and reliability. The control command may be received from an external source, such as a user interface or network connection, and processed by the operational program to perform specific actions. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as authentication mechanisms to verify the control command before execution. The invention improves the security and operational integrity of embedded systems by ensuring that control commands are only processed when the system is fully operational.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the control command is received at a booting program of the embedded-system device during that the booting program is booting an operational program of the embedded-system device.
This invention relates to embedded-system devices and addresses the challenge of securely receiving and processing control commands during the booting process. The apparatus includes an embedded-system device with a booting program and an operational program. The booting program is responsible for initializing the device and loading the operational program, which handles the device's primary functions. The apparatus is configured to receive a control command during the booting process, specifically while the booting program is in the process of booting the operational program. This allows for dynamic control and configuration of the device even before the operational program is fully loaded, enhancing security and flexibility. The control command may be used to modify boot parameters, select different operational modes, or enforce security policies before the device reaches its operational state. This approach ensures that critical commands are processed early in the boot sequence, reducing vulnerabilities and enabling secure device management from the start. The invention is particularly useful in environments where secure boot processes and early-stage configuration are essential, such as in industrial control systems, IoT devices, and secure communication systems.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: detect that a booting program of the embedded-system device has failed, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to embedded-system devices and addresses the problem of detecting and responding to boot failures in such systems. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to monitor the operation of an embedded-system device, particularly during the booting process. If the booting program fails, the processor detects this failure and determines that the device is in a predetermined condition, such as a fault state or recovery mode. The apparatus may also include a memory storing instructions for the processor to execute, and a communication interface for interacting with other components or systems. The processor is further configured to perform diagnostic checks, log failure events, or trigger recovery procedures when a boot failure is detected. The invention ensures reliable operation of embedded systems by promptly identifying and addressing boot failures, preventing prolonged downtime or system instability. The apparatus may be integrated into various embedded devices, such as industrial controllers, medical devices, or automotive systems, where uninterrupted operation is critical. The solution enhances system resilience by automating failure detection and response, reducing manual intervention and improving overall reliability.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: detect that an operational program of the embedded-system device has failed, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to fault detection and recovery in embedded systems. The technology addresses the problem of ensuring reliable operation of embedded devices by detecting failures in operational programs and triggering recovery mechanisms. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to monitor the embedded-system device for failures in its operational program. When a failure is detected, the processor determines that the device is in a predetermined condition, which may indicate a critical error state requiring intervention. The system is designed to handle such failures automatically, ensuring system stability and minimizing downtime. The processor may also be configured to perform additional functions, such as initiating recovery procedures or logging error data, to further enhance system resilience. The invention is particularly useful in environments where embedded systems must operate with high reliability, such as industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive electronics. By proactively detecting and responding to program failures, the apparatus helps maintain continuous operation and reduces the risk of catastrophic system failures. The solution integrates seamlessly with existing embedded-system architectures, providing a robust mechanism for fault management without requiring extensive hardware modifications.
18. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: detect that an output of a hardware component of the embedded-system device is in a predetermined relationship with a threshold, and wherein the embedded-system device is determined to be in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to embedded systems and methods for monitoring hardware components to detect predetermined conditions. The system includes an embedded-system device with at least one processor and hardware components. The processor is configured to monitor the output of a hardware component, such as a sensor or actuator, and compare it to a predefined threshold. If the output meets a specified relationship with the threshold (e.g., exceeding, falling below, or matching it), the system determines that the embedded-system device is in a predetermined condition. This condition could indicate a fault, operational state, or environmental change. The processor may then trigger an action, such as logging the event, alerting a user, or adjusting system behavior. The invention improves reliability and responsiveness in embedded systems by enabling real-time condition detection based on hardware outputs. The system is particularly useful in industrial automation, IoT devices, and safety-critical applications where monitoring hardware states is essential. The processor may also analyze multiple hardware outputs or apply additional logic to refine condition detection. The invention ensures accurate and timely identification of system states, enhancing overall performance and safety.
19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer executable code for operating an embedded-system device, comprising code to: provide to a host of the embedded-system device control of a first serial port controller at the embedded-system device; provide to an operational program at the embedded-system device control of a second first serial port controller of the embedded-system device; connect a serial port at the embedded-system device with the first serial port controller; determine whether the embedded-system device is in a predetermined condition; when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition: receive, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host for driving the first serial port controller; generate, at the first serial port controller, first signals in accordance with the first command or data; and output the first signals at the serial port; when the embedded-system device is in the predetermined condition: disconnect the serial port from the first serial port controller; connect the serial port with a second serial port controller at the embedded-system device; receive, at the second serial port controller, second command or data from the operational program for driving the second serial port controller; generate, at the second serial port controller, second signals in accordance with the second command or data; and output the second signals at the serial port.
This invention relates to embedded systems and addresses the challenge of dynamically managing serial port access between a host system and an operational program running on the embedded device. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executable code for an embedded-system device. The code enables dual control of serial port controllers: one for a host system and another for an operational program. The embedded device has at least two serial port controllers and a serial port that can be dynamically connected to either controller. Under normal operation, the serial port is connected to the first controller, allowing the host to send commands or data, which are processed to generate and output signals at the serial port. If a predetermined condition is detected, such as a system failure or diagnostic mode, the serial port is disconnected from the first controller and connected to the second controller. The operational program then takes control, sending its own commands or data to the second controller, which generates and outputs corresponding signals at the serial port. This dynamic switching ensures seamless transition of serial port control between the host and the operational program based on system conditions, improving reliability and flexibility in embedded system operations.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19 , wherein the code is further configured to: receive, at the first serial port controller, first command or data from the host; and generate, at the first serial port controller, signals for outputting at the serial port in accordance with the first command or data, when the embedded-system device is not in the predetermined condition.
This invention relates to embedded systems with serial communication interfaces, specifically addressing the challenge of managing serial port operations under certain system conditions. The system includes an embedded-system device with a serial port and a first serial port controller connected to the host. The device operates in a normal mode when not in a predetermined condition, such as a low-power state or error condition. In this mode, the first serial port controller receives commands or data from the host and generates corresponding signals for output at the serial port. The system ensures reliable communication by dynamically adjusting serial port behavior based on the device's operational state, preventing data corruption or communication failures during critical conditions. The invention improves system robustness by maintaining proper serial port functionality while avoiding unintended outputs when the device is in a predetermined condition. The solution is particularly useful in embedded applications requiring stable serial communication under varying operational states.
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February 25, 2020
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